At a Glance

There’s something for everyone in Spain — that’s what makes it the perfect place for a family learning adventure! Whether you dream of seeing Picasso’s masterpieces or have a love for “futbol” that only the Spanish could truly appreciate, our local experts will introduce you to the true gems of Barcelona and Madrid. So stop by for a tasty churro, explore the Royal Palace and prepare for some Flamenco dancing — Spain awaits!

Activity Level

Let's Go!

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Meet a local family in Barcelona who will answer your questions about Spanish home life, school and local customs.

Experience “fútbol fever” during a field trip to Camp Nou — the largest stadium in Europe — and see the jerseys and trophies displayed in the FC Barcelona Museum.

General Notes

This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 10 and up.

Suggested Reading List

View 21 books

Madrid, The History

by Jules Stewart

Jules Stewart sketches the history of a beloved city from Mayrit to Madrid, the Bourbons, Franco and beyond. With suggested whirlwind itinerary for Madrid in Two Days (and Nights).

Antonio Gaudi, Master Architect

by Juan Bassegoda Nonell

This pocket-sized collection of Gaudi's work captures the evolution, imagination and exuberance of one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.

A Traveller's Companion To Madrid

by Hugh Thomas (Editor)

This spritely anthology of eyewitness accounts -- in diaries, letters, memoirs and novels -- covers palaces and neighborhoods, customs, manners and morals of the city, revealing its geography, history and spirit.

Spain, A Traveler's Literary Companion

by Peter R. Bush (Editor)

This collection of 30 stories from a who’s who of contemporary Spanish literature, including writers from Galicia, Leon, the Basque Country, Madrid and Barcelona.

Marina

by Lucia Graves (Translator), Carlos Ruiz Zafron

As fifteen-year-old Oscar roams the streets of Barcelona to escape the monotony of his boarding school life, he stumbles across a macabre graveyard ritual that transports him to an ethereal underground labyrinth. A cult classic in Spain and an international bestseller.

Barcelona

by Robert Hughes

A Longitude favorite, this big, thoroughly enjoyable cultural history of the city touches on architecture, art, religion and literature from Roman outpost to today.

Built to Last

by David MacAulay

A compilation of MacAulay's books Castle, Cathedral and Mosque with updated research and new color drawings. MacAulay tells the fictional but accurate stories of how these structures were built, explaining their historical and cultural importance. Packed with wonderfully detailed illustrations, this book will appeal to all ages.

Real Tapas

by Fiona Dunlop

A re-release of the critically acclaimed Real Tapas, this edition also features savory, traditional favorites as well as new, delectable recipes for the world’s most social cuisine.

Spanish Recognitions, The Roads to the Present

by Mary Lee Settle

A magical, meditative account of Spanish history, art, archaeology and travels by the noted writer. Settle (Turkish Reflections) conjures Cervantes, El Cid, the Moors, Visgoths, Romans, Lorca and Balboa as she writes of a road trip from Castile in central Spain to the southern coast.

Spain, The Root and the Flower

by John A. Crow

Take this book with you to Spain: it's an absorbing, well-written account of Spanish cultural history from prehistory to the Romans, Jews, Moors, Golden Age and on to Franco and his legacy in modern Spain.

Culture Smart! Spain

by Marian Meaney

This concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture provides a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.

Ghosts of Spain

by Giles Tremlett

Tremlett captures the Spanish character, history and modern politics in this masterful portrait, interweaving the story of his love for the country (where he has lived for 20 years) with interviews, anecdotes and observation.

Homage to Catalonia

by George Orwell

Orwell's portrait of the Barcelona uprising and the spirit of a city at war is a classic, an observant and heartfelt report from the streets.

Cathedral, The Story of its Construction

by David MacAulay

In this illuminating book for middle readers, master draughtsman MacAulay presents text and innovative drawings that detail the planning and construction of a 13th-century Gothic cathedral. It's a masterpiece.

If You Were There in 1492, Everyday Life in the Time of Columbus

by Barbara Brenner

A "you-were-there" history of medieval Spain, written for middle-schoolers and fun for the family. This clever illustrated history gives the facts of life in the cities and countryside from a child's point of view.

Spain, The People

by Tara Steele, Noa Lior

A pictorial and factual introduction to the people of Spain, geared for middle-schoolers. Chapters cover traditions, history, city and village life, homes, school, entertainment and food.

Frommer's EasyGuide to Madrid and Barcelona

by Frommer's

EasyGuides are full of practical, easy to absorb information and emphasize authentic experiences. This lightweight guide highlights important attractions with expert advice on accommodations and meals.

Only in Spain, A Foot-Stomping, Firecracker of a Memoir About Food, Flamenco and Falling in Love

by Nellie Bennett

In this exuberant memoir, an enthusiastic young Australian discovers a passion for Spanish culture (especially flamenco) as she explores Seville and Madrid.

Isabel, Jewel of Castille: Spain, 1466

by Carolyn Meyer

The imagined diary of Isabella when she was still a youngster, written for middle schoolers. The book is designed to feel like a real princess's diary, with gold-embossed pages and a sturdy binding.

Spain & Portugal Adventure Map

by National Geographic

A double-sided full color map of Spain and Portugal at a scale of 1:1,000,000 with good shaded relief, topographic detail, roads and waterways.

Picasso

by Patrick O'Brian

Patrick O'Brian, who knew the artist, covers the life and work of Picasso.

Afternoon: Check in at the hotel and take some time to unpack and to relax before joining your group leader for an optional orientation walk of the area. Stop for ice cream at the local Farggis ice cream parlor and become acquainted with the area around your hotel. Later in the afternoon, we will gather in the hotel conference room where the Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. In addition to the program theme and logistics, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that indicated times are approximate and that program activities and schedules could change due to local circumstances such as weather, traffic conditions, etc. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Enjoy the opportunity to socialize and meet your fellow participants at the welcome dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

3

Language Class, Parc Guell, & a Local Family

Barcelona

B,D

Catalonia Eixample 1864

Activity note: Today's activities include: climbing up and down flights of stairs, as well as walking up to two to three miles including on cobblestone streets. Please be prepared for steps and uneven surfaces in Park Güell and at the Sagrada Familia church. Please note that the reservations at Sagrada Familia are subject to strict regulations and entry times are subject to change.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Buenos dias Barcelona! We will begin with a language lesson going over a few key words and phrases that you can use during your week in Spain. Afterward, your instructor and guide will introduce you to the city as you visit Gaudí's famous and still unfinished Sagrada Familia church and some of the city's greatest sites. We will end the morning in the Gothic Quarter to see the locals as they participate in traditional Sunday morning Sardana dancing.

Lunch: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Afternoon: We will head to Parc Guell, Gaudí's outdoor residential project which is now a municipal garden, boasting a wealth of modernist architecture and some unique and fun features. Following the visit, we will return to the hotel where a local family will explain what life is like in Spain today.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

4

Barcelona Challenge, Cookery Class, & the Mediterranean

Barcelona

B,L

Catalonia Eixample 1864

Activity note: Today's activities include: transportation via Metro, which does not have escalators or elevators at most stations, climbing up and down flights of stairs, as well as walking up to two to three miles including on cobblestone streets.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Learn about the history, art, and culture of Barcelona inside and out during a fun-filled and challenging team activity organized by local experts around the city center. The winning team earns a prize!

Lunch: Learn how to prepare typical Catalan cuisine and then enjoy a lunch consisting of the dishes you will have prepared!

Afternoon: Explore the area at your own pace or choose to join your group leader for a walk around the beautiful Port Vell and Barceloneta areas of the city which are a fine example of the urban regeneration that took place in Barcelona before the Olympic games of 1992.

Dinner: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

Barcelona Old & New, Picasso, & Soccer at Camp Nou

Barcelona

B,L,D

Catalonia Eixample 1864

Activity note: Today's activities include: transportation via Metro, which does not have escalators or elevators at most stations, climbing up and down flights of stairs, as well as walking up to two to three miles including on cobblestone streets.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Learn about the life and works of Pablo Picasso as you take a firsthand look at some of the artist's masterpieces, accompanied by your local expert. Afterward, discover more of El Born area of the city with your group leader.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Take in Spain's fútbol culture at the largest stadium in Europe, Camp Nou. Discover the FC Barcelona Museum where you will find jerseys worn by some of the sport's greatest players, in a country where fútbol is followed with unrivaled fervor. Finally, trace the history and values of the club, and view the impressive trophy collection.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: We will transfer to a local community center for an exclusive viewing of Esbart San Marti's dress rehearsal featuring traditional Catalan folk songs and dances, as well as a chance to meet the performers afterwards.

DAY

6

High Speed AVE & Hola Madrid

Madrid

B,D

Hotel Catalonia Gran Via

Activity note: Participants will need to handle their own luggage on and off the train as there is no porterage available at the station.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Travel to Madrid on the AVE train (Alta Velocidad Espanola), Europe's longest, high velocity rail network. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable, modern train, traveling up to 190 mph and cutting standard journey times by half.

Lunch: On your own on the train.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Madrid, check in at the hotel. Afterward, join your Group Leader for a walking orientation of the downtown area of the city. Take in the strikingly different architecture and culture of Spain's capital city, as it comes to life. Enjoy a "merienda" of traditional "Churros" (similar to a doughnut made from deep-fried unsweetened dough and sprinkled with sugar) in a local pastry shop.

Dinner: At a traditional Tapas restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

7

Royal Palace, El Prado, & Discover the Art of Flamenco

Madrid

B,L,D

Hotel Catalonia Gran Via

Activity note: Today's activities include: climbing up and down flights of stairs, as well as walking up to two to three miles including on cobblestone streets.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: On a panoramic visit of Madrid, your local expert will introduce you to the main sites of the city, including the historic gateway of La Puerta de Alcala, the impressive Cibeles Square, and the old Austrias area. We will end at the Royal Palace, Europe's largest palace by floor area and official home to the Spanish Royal family. Please note that the palace is occasionally closed for royal events, in which case the visit will be substituted with an alternate visit.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Join your local expert for an enlightening visit to El Prado - Spain's grandest museum - which houses one of the world's finest collections of European art, ranging from the 12th century to the early 19th century. On this unique and fun-filled adventure of discovery around the museum, we will learn all about European art and artists, as seen through the eyes of some of Europe's grand painters. We will then head over to one of Madrid's most traditional tablaos for an interactive evening of flamenco. Learn about the history and folklore of this popular art and discover the rhythmic moves that accompany the traditional "palos."

Dinner: At the flamenco show.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

8

A True Madrileño

Madrid

B,L

Hotel Catalonia Gran Via

Activity note: Today's activities include: transportation via Metro, which does not have escalators or elevators at most stations, climbing up and down flights of stairs, as well as walking up to two to three miles including on cobblestone streets.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: The group will divide into two teams in a bid to discover the true Madrileño we carry inside. Four specific activities will bring us closer to the heart of Madrid: a marzipan making session behind the stall at the market with our pastry chef, a still life drawing class in the style of Velázquez with our artist in his studio, a Spanish percussion class with palmas hand-clapping and the cajón soundbox, and a meeting with a "Chulapo" who will give us some important lessons on how to be a traditional Madrileño with some cultural Dos and Don'ts.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Join your Group Leader on a walking visit to El Retiro Park- a green oasis in the capital with a sprawling 450 acres of landscaped gardens, sculptures and monuments. You may choose to take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the street performers who line the leafy avenues.

Dinner: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

9

Segovia & Spain's Historic Past

Madrid

B,D

Hotel Catalonia Gran Via

Activity note: Today's actiivties include walking on cobblestone streets and going up and down steps without railings. Please wear comfy footwear!

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Situated in the northwest of the capital, in the Castile region and classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, Segovia boasts a wealth of history spanning over centuries. On this expert-led visit of the city, discover the remarkably well-preserved Roman Aqueduct (dating from around 50 A.D.), the 16th century Gothic cathedral and enjoy the renowned Alcazar, with its "fairytale" turrets, begun in the 11th century.

Morning: Departure transfer to the Madrid airport. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please be in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network, where you can share memories, pictures, and comments. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

18 Meals

8 Breakfasts

4 Lunches

6 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Fat, Low Salt, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.